The Nationals Bullpen Needs a Fix

Every year there is a conversation about how horrendous the Nationals Bullpen is. Whether that be by the players themselves or poor bullpen management. The Bullpen has been a topic of conversation every year. There might not be a way to fix the bullpen in 2024 completely, but the Nationals can at least try.

1. DFA Weems, Rainey, & Law/Garcia; The Nationals currently hold a trio of veteran right handers that have not had good seasons. Jordan Weems, 31, holds a 6.25 ERA over 34 appearances. Striking out 25 and walking 15. Weems has given up 22 runs in 31.1 innings, including 5 homers. Tanner Rainey, also 31, holds a 7.43 ERA over 22 games. Rainey only seems to appear when the Nationals are up by 5+ runs, or down by 5+ runs. Rainey has 17 strikeouts and a 1.83 WHIP in 23 innings. Finally, Derek Law only has a 3.24 ERA, but has struggled in every appearance with inherited runners. In 50 innings, Law has 46 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP. Robert Garcia is the other option as he has a 4.44 ERA in 26.1 innings this season, with some major blow ups. He is the only lefty in the bullpen, so the Nats would need another southpaw.

1. Select Adonis Medina and Joe La Sorsa; At Triple-AAA Rochester, the Nationals have two, younger relievers who have proven they deserve a spot on the big-league roster, especially after half of the Triple-AAA season is completed. Adonis Medina, a 27-year-old right-hander, currently has a 2.88 ERA over 35.1 innings. Medina has 34 strikeouts and a 1.36 WHIP. Medina signed a minor league contract during the offseason. Joe La Sorsa, a former Nat, has had a great sophomore season with the team’s Triple-AAA affiliate. Over 36.1 innings, La Sorsa has a 2.48 ERA with 25 strikeouts and a 1.02 WHIP. Notably, La Sorsa is a left-hander, which Washington has lacked in 2024.  

1. Move LHP Patrick Corbin to the Bullpen; When Josiah Gray is activated from the 15-day injured list, a decision will be made about the Rotation. More than likely, LHP DJ Herz will be moved to the bullpen, or optioned to Triple-AAA. However, I believe Patrick Corbin being moved to the bullpen would be the better option. Corbin does not have and has not had it as a starter since the 2019 championship run. Corbin might find some better luck coming out of the bullpen, only pitching 2-3 innings per appearance. Over 17 starts, Corbin holds a 5.39 ERA, with 65 strikeouts over 95 innings. DFAing Corbin would be a hard pill to swallow with the money attached to Corbin’s contract, so moving him to the bullpen adds another lefty and keeps the rotation young.  

Following these moves, the Bullpen would consist of 7 relievers. RHPs Hunter Harvey, Adonis Medina, Dylan Floro, and Jacob Barnes. As well as LHPs Joe La Sorsa, Patrick Corbin, and RHP Kyle Finnegan being the closer. It may not be one of the league's best, but a bullpen shakeup sends a message that they need to perform better and close out these tight games.